“Since the “It gets better” video I have left both BYU and the LDS church. I was so afraid to do both but trusted that being true to myself would bring me greater happiness and two years later I have been greatly rewarded for doing so. I am happier than I have ever been. Mark, my fiancé, has brought so much fun and joy into my life. I feel like leaving the LDS church lifted a great burden from my shoulders and I am now free. I once thought being LDS was a part of who I was just as much as my sexuality. I now know that I was simply afraid to let go of the LDS church because I didn’t know what my life would be like without it. Learning to love and respect others while not believing in a higher power has been a rewarding and valuable experience. I will admit that it was hard at first, but got easier every day.

Leaving the church has also come with some unfortunate repercussions. I have two siblings who currently will not talk with me. It is hard for me to see others react this way, especially when they are my siblings, but I have hope that someday they will remember the love I have for them and the love they have for me. I think once they remember those feelings they will put aside their fear and my family will be able to come together as a whole unit again.”